Blackleach Burritt, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 March 27
Date27 March, 1766
Call Number766227
abstractBurritt, reluctant yet undecided regarding Wheelock's invitation to become a missionary among the Indians, requests more information.
handwritingHandwriting is largely clear and legible; however, letter case is frequently difficult to decipher, especially with regard to the letter S.
paperLarge single sheet is in fair condition, with moderate staining, creasing and wear. There is some repair work on one verso along particularly heavy creases.
inkBlack ink is faded.
Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
was 3 missionaries wanting; to send among the Indian Tribes,
and you desired me to take the Matter into consideration, to
see If I could find myself willing to undertake such a work;
I have thought much about it since then, both Sleeping and waking,
I must confess it appears a great undertaking, but a laudable
one for those that are qualified: may God succeed you in prosecuting
the Affair, and qualify Labourers, and Send them into the Heathen
Country, and give them the light of the knowledge of his son.
I am in GREAT MEASURE unqualified for such an undertaking,
for it needs the wisdom of the serpent mixed with the
innocence of the dove in a peculiar manner. I but lately Come out of
College, and have not Studied divinity long, and suspect my
Knowledge in divinity is not Sufficient; but If you cannot get
others, I dare not at present Say I will not undertake, for I know
that most men are backward to undertake in that business,
God can work by weak means and oft times does that the praise
and Glory may Redound to himself. It is lamentable to see how the
Gospel is treated by it's professors, where it is freely promulgated, and
to think there are thousands that are perishing for lack of vision.
Please Sir to inform me (by the Bearer or the first opportunity) in
these 4 Points. 1 whether the Indians Petition for missionaries,
secondly, how they treat them, and their messages, thirdly how missionaries fare
as to shelter, food, and lodging, and fourthly how much you allow them, for I
have no money of my own to support myself with, If the prospect
of being useful appears considerable, I feel myself favourably inclined
I am going home to see my Parents about it this week, I know not
how to Spend time to go on a Journey now, if I do I fear I shall not
be prepared for Examination this may Coming. if you
must have a positive answer before Election please Sir to
tell me if not I will Give you an answer then, if you will be at
Harford, I beg Liberty being in haste to subscribe myself your
and sir Kinne. Sir Potter and Yale send suitable regards to
Mr. Wheelock, and Compliments to Sir Wheelock and Kinne
March 27 AD 1766 —